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2009-06-08

CONTACT: REI Public Affairs (253) 395-5958

REI Launches Bike Your Drive iPhone App Easy online app lets riders track their progress and share their trip

REI is launching the Bike Your Drive mobile iPhone application, a free interactive tool that helps cyclists track, view, and share their bicycling experiences.   It’s available through the Apple iPhone app store or by visiting: www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive#bikesGear .

Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store, or a long training ride with friends, the customizable application allows users to view their bicycling progress, pinpoint and save their bicycle mileage, upload geotagged photos to document their ride and measure gas savings as well as individual CO2 offset. Second generation iPhone users with GPS capabilities can capture their bicycle experience in real-time, wherever and whenever they ride.

“Most people carry their phone when they’re outdoors, so we wanted to create a mobile tool that was easy and fun for bicyclists,” says Tom Vogl, vice president of marketing for REI. “Using GPS functionality and geotag capabilities, we created a user-friendly application that lets you bring your friends along for the ride.”

The REI Bike Your Drive iPhone application was designed to be approachable and easy to understand for bicyclists of all levels and interests. Its one-touch functionality makes it easy to view progress on a bike trip, including: location, average speed, distance, elevation, compass heading, time elapsed, and calories burned.

In addition to showing the specific location map of a ride, users may tap the “map view” function to create a visual interactive trip report of their ride. Photos taken along the trip are automatically geotagged, and plotted so that the ride may be shared with family, friends or the broader bicycling community.

The application can also calculate an individual’s personal overall carbon offsets from riding a bike instead of driving a car. Users input the details of their car and average gas prices in their area for customized CO2 offsets data and overall gas savings.

Maps, rides, photos and ride history are saved for quick tracking through EveryTrail.com, a platform created for geotagged-user generated travel content.

The REI Bike Your Drive mobile iPhone application is free to all users, and can be downloaded to iPhone devices via the iTunes application store : or by visiting www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive#bikesGea r.

Non-iPhone users may access REI’s online Bike Your Drive site at www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive , a frequently updated online resource offers helpful “how-to” video demonstrations, a calculator to show environmental, calorie and financial “savings,” and recommended cycling gear essentials.

REI’s “Bike Your Drive,” www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive , is an online resource created to inspire more people to cycle by debunking myths and breaking down common barriers associated with using a bicycle as an alternate means of transportation around town. REI’s online expert advice, videos and other tools assist riders of all skill levels in understanding proper safety procedures, bike maintenance and the rules of the road.

About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail cooperative dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – www.rei.com and www.REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

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